An Autumn Wool Applique Finish

 This nine inch wool applique mat is “White Pumpkin Scalloped Mat” from Buttermilk Basin. I believe I had bought this pattern and one for a larger project sometime last year along with some lovely, luscious, autumnal colors of wool at The Quilted Crow Quilt Shop in Bolton, MA. Well, nothing got done last year, but this year, I wanted to at least stitch this smaller piece. I also prepped the larger piece, and I fully intended to put it away to take with me on a future quilt retreat. Then . . . gosh darn it, it looked so pretty that I decided I had to start it as well. :-)

 I also have a Christmas wool applique pattern that I would like to get stitched. Yes, I bought another pattern, but I am using wool and perle cotton from my stash.

Is that all I am working on? Heck, no! You will be seeing a number of different finishes in the next few posts. In fact, I saw this yesterday on Facebook, and it validates my tendency to bounce between projects. 

So, what are you presently working on???

Bittersweet Boulevard

 This morning I finished fully finishing November’s “Bittersweet Boulevard” by designer Priscilla Blain of Stitching with the Housewives on Etsy. While I really do enjoy stitching this series, it takes me a long time to stitch the two parts. I had started stitching it in the middle of October, and it took me probably three weeks to stitch!!! As soon as I received the December chart, I began stitching it, and at least I have the street sign section stitched. The house and sign for December are done in shades of pink, and it will be very pretty once it is done. I’m also trying to get a few Christmas cross stitch ornaments done as well.

At yesterday’s Crosstown Quilters Guild meeting, I turned in four Christmas stockings. Guild members make stockings which are donated to DCF (Department of Children and Families.) Unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo of them. I also finished the top of a quilt from designer Ricky Tims. The pattern is “Gaelic Blessings” a double Irish chain with variations with a Celtic cross in the center. [Update: I put “Gaelic Blessing” into the ‘Search This Blog’ feature, and it showed that in a March 4, 2017 post I showed a photo of all the fabric all cut and carefully labeled to work on at a guild retreat. Seven years . . . that’s not too bad. ;-) ].

I have been on a kick to complete projects. Imagine my surprise to find all the completed blocks just waiting patiently in its project box. The pattern was from 2016, and I believe I started it as soon as it came out. I remember having been super excited to start it, but somewhere along the line I drifted away from working on it. I am happy to say that the top is now done, and I have an idea which I think will be pretty cool for the back. I just need to spend some quality time at my sewing machine working on that. :-)

At yesterday’s meeting, I picked up a baby quilt from one of our members, Maureen Anderson, who longarmed it for me. I love how it turned out, and I will post a photo as soon as I have finished the binding.

As you can see, I have been trying to stay very busy since last week’s election. It’s been difficult to even fake a positive outlook. For my sanity, I have stopped watching news programs on CNN & MSNBC which I had previously watched far too much. I thought I might continue watching “The Last Word” with Lawrence O’Donnell, but last night I decided to give that up as well.  I will continue to read Heather Cox Richardson’s , “Letters from an American” each day. There is a link to her column under “Blogs That I Enjoy” in the column on the right side of my blog. (Note: If you get an email notification when I write a new post, you are probably not seeing my whole page. Click on my blog title, and that will take you to my full page.)

I will not comment on the election; we have all seen and read enough about that from both sides, but I will say to those who reelected our forty-fifth President . . . Be careful what you wished for . . . 

Candy Corn and This & That

 

Early Happy Halloween!!! I finished this Candy Corn cross stitch piece last week. The display piece is from Paisleys and Polka Dots. It had been purchased, painted, and assembled last year, but I had not stitched the candy corn piece until last week. The Candy Corn chart came from Stitching with the Housewives.

Speaking of candy corn, are you a fan of this seasonal sweet? I have always loved it, but it is a huge no- no for diabetics. I tried buying a bag and limiting myself to just a few pieces a day, but you can guess how that went. I finally had to toss the last half of the bag into the trash. . . I have absolutely no willpower. :-( Why, oh, why couldn’t candy corn be a healthy vegetable???

Cross Stitchers . . . La-D-Da has a cute Halloween cross stitch chart under its Freebie section. It’s too late to stitch this year, but I downloaded the chart for next year.

Stitchers . . .  If you enjoy any type of stitching, check out Christen’s Creations website. There is much to explore there including “Tips, Tricks, the Basics” and “Free to You.”

Reading Recommendation . . . I highly recommend the latest book by Doris Kearns Goodwin. An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s is a fascinating look at that turbulent decade. Now I want to read her book about one of the key figures of that decade, Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream.

Finally, Election Day is only a few short days from now, and I think everyone can appreciate this meme.

Lord help us all.

Fall Is in the Air

Well, not really . . . it may be cold in the morning, but as the day goes on it warms up. We may approach eighty degrees tomorrow, and the rest of the week also promises to be warm. 

The title for this post comes from the title of  a cross stitch design from “It’s So Emma”  from the Fat Quarter Shop. I had stitched the fox and the tree last fall, but then put it away until a few weeks ago when I stitched the wording and the leaf swirling in the breeze. It is finished on a piece from the unfinished wood section of Hobby Lobby.

I do have a few autumn pieces displayed though my decorating is limited by my Achilles tendon injury.

I had hoped to head north to do some photography during foliage season, but that’s not happening again this year. This pretty maple above was photographed from my deck along with this beautiful hibiscus. 

One last deck photo of this solar cardinal and web slinger :-).

The deck is as far as I’m going in my backyard as it isn’t exactly level. I don’t want to risk doing anything that might prolong the time that I have to wear this very fashionable, big boot. 

Have a lovely week. 

Fall Tier by Erin Elizabeth Designs

 

I did a presentation at the Crosstown Quilters Guild on Tuesday. I told my fellow quilters that my goal was clear . . . I wanted to get a few of my fellow members to fall down the cross stitch and/or wool applique rabbit hole right along with me. ;-) Since I am still in my big, awkward boot, gathering pieces to bring with me was a challenge, but I believe I had more than enough samples. 

I did not have “Fall Tier” finished to bring, but I completed it yesterday. It is so cute!!!  I can say that as I was not the designer, just someone who enjoys stitching designs by Erin Elizabeth. Erin Wasilieff is a Canadian designer whose patterns/charts are whimsical and fun. I particularly enjoy her “tier” designs and  have two others already in my stash. Click on the photo to get a larger image and also do click on the link to visit her shop. Whether you cross stitch or not, her wonderful designs will put a smile on your face. 

This wood display piece is from Paisleys and Polka Dots. They offer DIY wood craft kits for home decorating and seasonal displays. As I have mentioned previously, the wood pieces are cut and you must paint and glue them together. There are two magnets glued to the main section, and I will place washers on the back of the cross stitch piece. (At present, it is simply leaning against the display as I didn’t want to risk hobbling down cellar in my big boot tonight to hot glue on the washers :-). That can wait until tomorrow. 

Last month I posted a beach cottage scene on this tiered display. The fun part is finding items to put on the sides of the piece. These two small wood pieces are also from Paisleys and Polka Dots. 

Over the weekend Emma and I stayed at ‘her home away from home,’ so Bailey’s folks could go to their son’s wedding. I brought cross stitching and a few books and the three of us had a lovely time.

One funny note, I gave such an enthusiastic presentation on Tuesday that I have already ordered a piece of wool for a new wool applique piece and a pattern for a big wool project. So much for stitching from stash; I’m absolutely incorrigible!!!  Gee, I wonder if I inspired anyone at the meeting? Time will tell. ;-)

Another FFO - Pumpkin Blossom Place

 

I have never signed up for a monthly cross stitch project before, but I couldn’t resist “Blooming Roots” by Stitching with the Housewives through the Fat Quarter Shop. Here is “Pumpkin Blossom Place” for October, the first in the series.  Each month will feature a home and a separate street sign. The chart comes along with Classic Colorworks floss. The orange and yellow background fabric came from my stash. I love how this turned out. :-)

Each month will be displayed on this wood piece purchased from Paisleys and Polka Dots. As I have noted previously, all the multiple pieces arrive unfinished. You must paint the individual  pieces and then glue them all together. Magnets are then hot glued to the display piece and washers to the back of the stitched pieces so it can be switched out each month.

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It’s October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s time for me to climb up on my soapbox to remind you to get your mammogram. No excuses accepted. Early detection saves lives. 

Goldfinches and Poppies

 

Just popping in on this glorious fall day to show you my finally finished wool applique piece, “Goldfinches and Poppies.” This pattern is from Crane Design. Their wool appliques patterns are always wonderful. The wool came from my stash with the exception of the luscious tonal blue wool which I found at The Quilted Crow in Bolton. It is a delightful quilt shop with a section devoted to wool applique. They have samples hanging up and shelves with pieces of wool. It is a feast for the eye, but perhaps a bit dangerous for the wallet :-) You can buy patterns and select your own pieces of wool or purchase kits. It is truly a wonderful quilt shop and definitely worth a visit. (If you are not from this area, you may visit them online.)

The display hanger is from Ackfeld Manufacturing . Check out their website for craft and quilt display  holders. You won’t believe the assortment available. You are sure to find the right accent holder for whatever piece on which you are working.

Today I’m going to finish two cross stitch pieces which I will show next time. My dining room table is covered with bits and pieces of various projects, and I am determined to get it cleared. Wish me luck!